Early on Wednesday morning the people of Coldwater were shocked to learn the sad news of the death at 6:40 o'clock that morning of S. M. Jackson. It was known that Mr. Jackson was in poor health, his ailment being diabetes, but not many people knew that he was seriously sick. On Tuesday he attended to considerable business about the post office and his real estate office, and also attended district court where he was a witness in one or two cases. But, it was evident to all who saw him, and to Mr. Jackson himself, that he was a very sick man. Yet, his indomitable energy kept him going, even against the advice of many of his friends. Late in the evening he took to his bed and a few hours later he became unconscious. Medical skill was summoned and everything possible was done to relieve the sick man. His life, however, ebbed away slowly, and with the breaking of the morning light the last spark left his body. Death came peaceably and without an apparent struggle.

Samuel M. Jackson was born near Colchester, Pennsylvania, on July 7, 1861. At an early age he moved with his parents to Marion, Iowa, where he lived until April, 1885, when he came to Coldwater. On June 14, 1889, he was married to Miss Zelma Pennington, who with a daughter, Hazel, 12 years old, survives him.

During the early days of Comanche co., Mr. Jackson was engaged in the real estate and abstracting business and took a prominent part in the development of the county. In the spring of 1898 he received the appointment as postmaster at Coldwater and continued to hold that position up to the time of his death. He represented Comanche co. in the state legislature during the years 1896-98. In every sense of the word Mr. Jackson was a public spirited and honorable citizen. In his private as well as his public life he always exemplified the highest type of the true husband and father and the worthy member of the community in which he lived. He had an extensive acquaintance over this part of the state and everyone who knew him was his friend.

He was a faithful member of the Presbyterian church, also of the Odd Fellows, K. P. and Woodmen lodges. In the latter order he carried $2000 life insurance. He will be missed in the social and business circles of our city and county and his memory will long be cherished by Comanche co. people.

Funeral services will take place at 3 p.m. today (Friday) in the Presbyterian church and will be in charge of the pastor, Rev. W. L. Roberts. Interment will take place in Coldwater cemetery.

Gravestone for Samuel McPherson Jackson, 1881 - 1903
Crown Hill Cemetery, Comanche County, Kansas.
Photo by Bobbi (Hackney) Huck.

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Thanks to Shirley Brier for finding, transcribing and contributing the above news article to this web site!

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